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VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis offered a Christmas wish Wednesday for a better world, praying for protection for Christians under attack, battered women and trafficked children, peace in the Middle East and Africa, and dignity for refugees fleeing misery and conflict around the globe.

Francis delivered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (Latin for “to the city and to the world”) speech from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to 70,000 cheering tourists, pilgrims and Romans in the square below. He said he was joining all those hoping “for a better world.”

In his first Christmas message since being elected pontiff in March, he asked for all to share in the song of Christmas angels, “for every man or woman … who hopes for a better world, who cares for others,” humbly.

Among places ravaged by conflict, Francis singled out Syria, which saw its third Christmas during civil war; South Sudan; the Central African Republic; Nigeria; and Iraq.

JOHANNESBURG — Nelson Mandela, who became one of the world’s most beloved statesmen and a colossus of the 20th century when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa, has died. He was 95.

South African President Jacob Zuma made the announcement at a news conference late Thursday, saying “we’ve lost our greatest son.”

His death closed the final chapter in South Africa’s struggle to cast off apartheid, leaving the world with indelible memories of a man of astonishing grace and good humor. Rock concerts celebrated his birthday. Hollywood stars glorified him on screen. And his regal bearing, graying hair and raspy voice made him instantly recognizable across the globe.

As South Africa’s first black president, the ex-boxer, lawyer and prisoner No. 46664 paved the way to racial reconciliation with well-chosen gestures of forgiveness. He lunched with the prosecutor who sent him to jail, sang the apartheid-era Afrikaans anthem at his inauguration, and traveled hundreds of miles to have tea with the widow of Hendrik Verwoerd, the prime minister at the time he was imprisoned.

Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and other countries in the Horn of Africa and the East Africa region are experiencing the worst drought in 60 years. Two years of sporadic rain – and the driest year since 1951 – have resulted in severely reduced access to drinking water and major crop and livestock loss. The UN estimates that 11.6 million people are at risk, including 2.2 million malnourished children. 500,000 of these children face imminent life-threatening conditions. In hard hit areas, like South Central Somalia, masses of people are leaving their homes in order to meet their basic need of food and water.

A new seafood and jazz restaurant opened in York on Friday night. Tanzania opened to sell out crowds. People came from Baltimore, Harrisburg, Lancaster and York to experience this funky new eatery. Unfortunately, some had to be turned away.

The restaurant is located at 29 E. Princess Street in downtown York. The menu selections are named after Jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald. Great food, music and some original art can be expected from diners who visit the restaurant.

The Kirklands opened their restaurant because they have a love for seafood and enjoy preparing it for people. Their renovated downtown building features three dining areas named after port cities in Tanzania: Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Zanzibar.

The restaurant features some non-seafood dishes for landlubbers and don’t forget to save room for dessert.

Future plans call for adding a deck for al fresco dining and live performances by jazz musicians.